The Hindu Indian Rope Plant

The Hindu Indian Rope Plant

Also known as the: Hoya plant” or the “wax plant”, the Hindu Indian Rope Plant is a unique, strange, and amazing plant that would work wonders indoors. If you are looking for something special to add to your houseplant decor, this is the first place you should start looking!

The Hoya is a succulent vine which produces clusters of waxy star flowers and can grow big and vary in size and color. You’ll never be bored of the succulent clusters or the big and beautiful mostly pale pink and white flowers which last around one week. The excitement of this plant never seems to end, from the amazing leaves to the beautiful flowering displays, this is great for anyone who wants to show off.

History of the Hoya Plant

The Hoya is named after Thomas Hoy, a gardener out of the Duke of Northumberland who was the first person to make this plant known to the west. Hoyas originate in Australia and east Asia with estimates of over 100 species! Originating in tropical regions, the Hoya tends to do well indoors or in protected greenhouses. If you like these intriguing and delightful plants, you’re in luck! They’ll do great in your home.

How To Grow The Hoya Plant Indoors

The Indian Hindu Rope Plant doesn’t actually need a lot to thrive and survive indoors—these plants are almost indestructible! This vine is meant to climb and wander, and if you don’t give it any direction, it will form a thick mat. The best way to grow them would be in a hanging pot, near your windows but out of direct sun.

Lighting:

This plant will do best with indirect sun and partial shade. You can keep it away from windows, or on a North facing window sill.

Soil:

You will need well-draining soil for the Indian Hindu Rope Plant. Remember, this is a succulent and you don’t want to have a soggy mess leading to root rot! African Violet planting soil would be the best, with some added perlite.

Fertilizer:

You’ll only want to fertilize in the growing season (springtime), about three or four times. Use a balanced fertilizer, and hold off during the wintertime.

Water:

Make sure to keep the soil moist in the spring and summer months, and the soil dry in the winter months. You don’t want the soil too dry to make the plant die on you, but make sure the soil dries up in between waterings. The worst thing you can do to a Hoya is water them TOO much!

Temperature:

The plants will thrive around 50 degrees or warmer in the growing months. During the winter, they will hibernate and won’t need as much attention. Make sure to mist the leaves in the winter to clean and create a humid environment for them. However, do not mist in the growing season! Let them be.

When Will My Blooms Start Showing?

The most exciting part of this plant are when the beautiful blooms start coming in, it’s a beautiful sight to see and one in which you want to enjoy. So when should you start seeing these beautiful blooms?

The flowers will start appearing in the spring and summer, especially once you start fertilizing the plant. If you find that your flowers have brown around the edges and the leaves are starting to drop, this can mean that you are giving your Hoya too much fertilizer or too little water. Make sure to test out which is which and remember—being a helicopter parent to your Hoya won’t make their flowers bloom any faster. Like a teenager, they need some space to blossom.

Make sure to allow the plants to properly hibernate in the winter. If you overly feed them, provide too much water, and humidity, you won’t be seeing the plant blossom any time soon. What you’re actually doing is promoting leaf and stem growth but preventing the development of flowers!

Summary

The Hoya, also known as the Hindu Indian Rope Plant, is a wonderfully unique and almost indestructible houseplant! As long as you make sure to NOT overwater it, let the plant hibernate in the wintertime, and feed it during the springtime, you’ll be extremely happy with your plant. For the beginners out there, the Hoya is a wonderful plant to get your bearings in the houseplant world, with a knack for staying alive even if you don’t think you’re doing a great job. This is one of my favorite plants and for good reason. So go ahead and get your Hoya plant today!

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After finishing her masters degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Michelle wanted to share her love of plants and all things medicinal. With her knowledge of Chinese herbs and household plants, she decided to create a site sharing her love of indoor plants.